Backpacker Magazine's The 10 Essentials of Outdoor Gear: What You Need To Stay Alive

Kristin Hostetter has been Backpacker magazine's gear editor for over 15 years, during which time  she has put thousands of camping and hiking products through Backpacker's rigorous gear testing program. Her travels have taken her all over the world--from Alaska to Iceland, from Wales to Wyoming-- in search of the best testing conditions, which often means the worst weather! Kristin has authored three books: Don’t Forget the Duct Tape, Adventure Journal, and Tent and Car Camper’s Handbook, all published by The Mountaineers. She is also known as the “Gear Pro” on backpacker.com, where she answers questions from readers about all sorts of outdoor skills and gear. Kristin has appeared as a gear expert on NBC’s Today, CBS’s The Early Show, and The Martha Stewart Show, among others. She lives in Milton, Massachusetts with her husband and two sons, all of whom love to join Kristin on her adventures whenever possible.